Photo by: Ben Weinberger
by Ben Weinberger
I have kept a perspective on a series of cultural events, trips, daily encounters, and other cultural aspects while living in Spain that have sparked my attention. They are not compiled among a daily basis; thus, on a random sequence. I studied abroad for 4 months living with a Spanish family in Alicante, Spain. Alicante is a coastal Mediterranean city in the Valencia province and considered the sixth largest city in Spain. I have compiled two of my perspectives from my culture journal that I kept for my Spanish culture class.
The time schedule in Spain is a completely different way of life. Many appointments in Spain can be referred to as “no pasa nada,” meaning, don’t worry about it. Obviously everything in America is fast paced and on a strict schedule. In Spain life is much more laid back and on a relaxed time schedule. Stores in most cities are closed for designated siesta hours, which I could never see conceivable in America because of our drive for capitalist market economy to constantly be competitive to make the most profit. My Spanish professors in my first two months of language class never showed up exactly on time. The closest to exactly on time they showed up was 4 or 5 minutes late, which is normal. However, at times they would show up 10 to 15 minutes late on a daily basis. America is more punctual. The US could learn from Spain about a different way of life, as well as Spain could learn from the US. Spain is considered to have one of the longest life spans in the world, next to Japan. Many sociologists point out that the lack of stress in Spanish society is correlated with a longer life span. Conversely, in countries such as the United States stress can be strongly factored in on a daily basis from college students to working professionals. At times I find myself needing the fast paced way of life, being able to multi task, and eat on the go has been a part of my college schedule.
I am not suggesting that our country doesn’t provide a supportive and healthy environment; hence, we need to consider how to achieve results and try to adopt a healthier mental state on a daily basis that steers away from stress. After all, stress does kill.
I have learned a considerable amount about the economic implications behind Spain. The Spanish economy is the 5th strongest in the EU, just behind Italy. I find amazing after the fall of fascism under Franco and how well and efficiently Spain was able to progress. First, obviously Spain used its incredible attraction of tourism to gain momentum, then its exports became stronger and the total mentality of Spain is incredible. People are very enthusiastic and I have learned that this is Spain’s last year for receiving government aid from the EU. The GDP of Spain as of now is 905 billion; however, the unemployment rate is considerably high at 9.2 %. Spain’s profitability is relatively successful at 115. The Spanish per capita income is at around 85% of the EU average, compared to 78% in 1995; this is a major growth and profitability inclination for Spain’s economy. Nevertheless, one of Spain’s major economic concerns right now is its level of unemployment. It is obviously one of the largest countries in the EU, with one of the highest number of citizens unemployed. Immigration is another major topic we have discussed in class relating to the economics and politics of Spain. The amount of poor immigrants filling up jobs that many Spaniards would not do, does have its positive effects for the economy. On the other hand, we also discussed the possible influx of too many immigrants seeking opportunity in Spain. Time will only tell, but many feel there needs to be a stronger immigration policy put into legislation. The civil servants, such as garbage men in Spain can make a very respectable income as compared to the United States. The social system promotes more of equal incomes for public service. I have heard that sometimes garbage men can make more than teachers in Spain. Doctors have a tough time making a good living in Spain for the services they provide.
Overall, I returned with a newfound appreciation of the United States. Even though there are certain cultural differences I might find more appealing in Spain, I feel that we sometimes take for granted all of our cultural privileges in the United States. We are an extremely young country in our global community, as well as a melting pot of many races, religions, and ethnicities; thus, we have a larger mix of culture and it is more difficult as a society to implement one set of cultural values.
